Wrexham are hoping to head into their Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday with a new defensive recruitment.
Phil Parkinson labelled his side ‘too soft’ following their 3-2 defeat at home to West Brom and slammed defensive errors.
Danny Ward was blamed by Wrexham fans for his part in the second goal and there are calls for Arthur Okonkwo to return in between the sticks.
Wrexham have based their success in recent seasons in having solidity at the back, however, their top transfer target revealed that his footballing idol was busy scoring goals at the other end of the pitch.
Wrexham transfer target Callum Doyle idolised Wayne Rooney
Wrexham are ‘closing in’ on signing Callum Doyle from Manchester City in a deal worth up to a reported £8m.
Doyle has impressed in loan spells at Championship rivals Norwich City and Leicester City in recent seasons and is seen as an ideal fit to help plug the gaps at the back for the Red Dragons.
As per the Athletic, Doyle has already learned a lot from Conor Coady but revealed that his idol as a young player was Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.
Doyle stated: “Going to the United games, I fell in love with the atmosphere, the fans, and my dream became to be one of those players on the pitch.
“My hero was Wayne Rooney because I was a striker back then — I gradually worked my way to the back.”
Callum Doyle has taken inspiration from Wayne Rooney in his attacking flair
Despite coming to the Racecourse Ground as a left-sided defender, Doyle has proven that he can still add a lot to Wrexham’s attack.
Doyle has been tipped to play in the Premier League by pundit Chris Sutton, who also praised his ability to drive forward from defence.
The 21-year-old will likely replace Lewis Brunt on the left side of a back three, however, his range of passing and ability to bring the ball out from the back will add another dimension to Parkinson’s side going forward.
His primary job will be to stop the sloppy goals going in against Wrexham but Doyle is more than capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch – just like his idol Mr Rooney.